The Right Way

Mike de Leon (illustrations)

To maximize a 15-minute hydrotherapy session and to achieve its maximum health benefits, here are the following suggested positions with their corresponding areas of concentration.

Most spas have guides for their clients, usually posted inside treatment room, but if in case there is none; this bit of information would definitely come in handy. And remember : refrain from eating an hour before and an hour after the treatment.

Side. The massaging effect helps to contour the body including bust area.

Sit. It stimulates the acupoints under the feet for reflexology.

Cross-legged. The warm massaging on the knees and joints accelerate exercise effect thus, strengthening the legs.

Squat. It stimulates the lower part of the body and improves hormonal balance.

Bend backward. The bubbles stimulate arms, shoulder, backbone and spine increasing metabolic rate and blood circulation.

Bend forward. It stimulates chest, stomach and kidney, and rejuvenates cells in the stomach, liver, intestine, bladder and anus.

Reference:

http://www3.mb.com.ph/WLBG20071101106902.html

Medical Notes - Hives (Tagulabay)

What causes tagulabay? My brother, who is now 35 years old, has been having this condition although on and off for many years now. What is the treatment for this problem? � Joanne A., Cebu City

Tagulabay is the Filipino word for hives, a skin condition which the medical professional calls urticaria. Hives are clearly defined, pale swellings surrounded by an area of redness ("pantal" in Filipino) that occur in groups on any part of the skin. The swellings vary in size from less than a quarter of an inch to huge ones that are more than a food in diameter. Often, the individual swellings coalesced to form larger lesions.

Hives is a form of allergic or hypersensitivity reaction � an overwhelming response of the body�s immune defense system to an essentially harmless substance or physical agent. Why the immune system reacts violently to an innocuous substance or agent is unknown.

What is known is that in response to the presence of the causative material or agent, cells known as "mast cells" that are present in the connective tissue in and under the skin release a chemical called histamine.

When histamine is released, it causes the surrounding small blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable. This allows blood plasma to leak out and form the elevated swellings that typify hives.

Hives are usually itchy, but sometimes they give rise to a burning or stinging sensation. Crops of hives can appear in any part of the body. Typically, the swellings appear suddenly and disappear even without treatment after several hours. They do not cause any permanent damage to the skin unless the skin is scratched so violently that it breaks and gets infected.

When hives form in skin areas close to mucous membranes like the lips, eyes or genitals, the mucous membranes may likewise swell excessively, but as a rule, this swelling also subsides spontaneously after a few hours. Hives become life-threatening only if it is accompanied by angiodema, i.e., excessive swelling of the mucous membrane in the throat that results in difficulty of breathing or swallowing. Thus, people with hives who develop difficulty of breathing or swallowing should seek medical attention immediately.

A variety of substances and conditions can trigger the formation of hives. Common causes of hives include foods, drugs, infection and insect bites.

Any food item is a potential trigger for formation of hives, but the most common are shellfish, eggs, nuts and milk. Food preservatives and additives are likewise known to trigger hives.

Any drug, whether over-the-counter or prescription, is also a potential trigger for hives, but the most notorious are the antibiotics.

Hives sometimes appear with or after a viral infection such as the common cold, hepatitis or German measles.

Physical agents such as heat, cold, sunlight and pressure are occasional causes of hives. Of these agents, the most common culprit is cold. Exposure of the skin to a cold environment triggers hives formation in some people.

Hives is fairly common. Experts estimate that 10 to 20 percent of the population will develop hives at least once in their lifetime. But most attacks of hives last only a few days to weeks and do not recur. Often, the offending substance is identified and easily avoided.

However, as in the case of your brother, hives becomes a chronic condition that keeps recurring for many years. The offending agent in chronic hives is usually difficult to identify. In fact, sometimes, it is never discovered, in which case the hives is labeled chronic idiopathic urticaria.

The cure for hives is finding and avoiding the cause, but often, this is easier said than done. To provide relief, especially from the itchiness, antihistamines are the standard drugs prescribed by doctors. Most antihistamines, however, cause drowsiness and people taking them should be cautioned against driving or operating machineries.

People with acute episodes of hives may need to take antihistamines for just a few days, but those with chronic hives may have to take them for prolonged periods of time. In severe cases, corticosteroids, either orally or by injection, are sometimes administered. Corticosteriods should however be given for a limited period of time only, because they lead to serious adverse effects if taken for prolonged periods.

Reference:

http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2005/01/24/HLTH2005012427031.html

Age is a result of who you are

People who survive longest are those who have found balance in several aspects of their lives.

Psychiatrist George Vaillant (Harvard) says the best adapted to their psychological life live longer. This situation is characterized by:

1. Stability in family life
2. Satisfying marriage
3. Hardly living alone
4. Continued growth in career
5. Absence of disabling mental illness
6. Not an alcoholic
7. Few chronic illnesses

Awareness

Is there a method to achieving satisfaction in one’s later years? Deepak Chopra in “Ageless Body, Timeless Mind” says, if you follow your instincts and what works for you, that should be enough.
The way you age is truly a result of who you are. This has to do with awareness.

Example: If someone puts weights in your hands and lifts your arms up and down, your arm will not gain muscle strength. This is unwilled behavior.

But if you consciously lift the weights, then the brain, through willed behavior, will send signals to your biceps, heart and lungs. Willed behavior involves learning because you teach your body to be strong.

Take control

When you take control of your body, this becomes a holistic approach. It involves the mind-body system.

How does one take charge?

1. Tap into your deeper levels of information by tuning into your body talk. Listen well. Do not ignore the cues.

2. Focus on parts of your body that express pain, discomfort. Localize your awareness there. Just by focusing, you are already sending healing energy.

3. Activate your desire and intention by asking yourself what you feel you need in order to complete yourself. Be honest with yourself. Example: Whether it is simply getting out of bed in the morning in a good mood or winning that golf tourney, your intention will influence the outcome of your day.

Staying young

If you intend to stay on this earth for the longest time and in the most fulfilling way, then it is your mission to explore the landscape of longevity.

Aging is as much a part of conditioning as it is the natural deterioration of the body. It is imperative that you preempt the needs of your body. A little help from medical breakthroughs should be considered.

While still in its infancy, Autologus Stemcell Transplant introduced by Dr. Florencio Lucero has transformed the lives of many patients with debilitating health changes. Visit Stemcellphil.com or call 0917-5234912.

Testimonials

Since it was made available over a year ago, amazing testimonials have been accumulating. Grace Draper, a 49-year-old patient who had a hemorrhagic stroke in 1999, could not walk without a cane. She has since discarded it two weeks after her stem-cell therapy.

Jacob, a 6-year-old cerebral-palsy patient, who was born three months premature and has had 56 operations since birth, now has more interactive movement, improved speech and no surgery for over a year.

Tessie Cuevas, 80, heart patient; and Lourdes Barbero Ramos and Tinette Lucero feel the procedure turned back the clock for them by 10 years. A 78-year-old man of Swedish descent who suffered from the not-so-common Chlamydia pneumoniale, improved after two weeks. His lung capacity increased by 5-7 percent, much to the amazement of his doctors.

Dr. Lucero explains that the four-hour procedure involves the harvesting of 100cc of fat and peripheral blood from the patient’s body through a mini liposuction. The stem cells are then separated from the fat through a process done within the same surgery room, infused with a growth factor made up of proteins to wake dormant stem cells.

This is then infused back into the patient’s body intravenously. Stem cells are the building blocks of life, basic cells from which the human body is made.

With a little boost from this medical technology, one can easily delay aging and the arrival of degenerative diseases.

Be young

Your mind can age you or make you older. If you continuously see yourself as old, then you will become it. So, affirm as I do: “I am young forever.”

Love and light!



Reference:

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=86418

Water as preventive therapy

Are you having difficulty remembering things? Do you feel tired all the time? You may be suffering from dehydration!

Water can be used as preventive therapy. It’s so critical to body metabolism that the lack of it can trigger problems that result in slow recall, tiredness, constipation, formation of kidney stones and cancer.

Basic facts

In Jane Scrivner’s book, “Water Detox,” she describes basic facts about water dehydration that people should know. Here are some of them:

On a hot day, a person can sweat up to 16 glasses of water per day.

Not drinking enough water can lead to dry and itchy skin, tiredness upon waking, and fatigue during the day.

We lose as much water when we’re sleeping as when we’re awake. Therefore, upon waking up, drink water and hydrate yourself well.

Lack of water is the primary cause of tiredness.

Eight to 10 glasses of water a day could ease up to 80 percent of general aches and pains. Water is not only a thirst quencher, it’s also a pain reliever.

It only takes a two percent drop in hydration to slow down recall. This can cause trouble with performing basic math and focus. Students and office workers should be encouraged to drink water for their mental and physical well-being. It’s better to have water breaks than coffee breaks to improve productivity and performance.

Five glasses of water a day decrease the risk of colon cancer by 45 percent.

Five glasses of water a day cut the risk of breast cancer by 79 per cent.

Five glasses of water a day reduce the risk of bladder cancer by 50 percent.

Critical

Although water is critical to normal body functions, it’s sad to note that approximately 90 percent of the world’s population is chronically dehydrated.

Worse, there are many ads encouraging people to consume colas, coffee and beer, but there’s no ad telling people to drink water.

But, this can be reversed. We need to develop proper water drinking habits. I have friends who always bring water bottles with them and set an amount to consume daily. Educators, health personnel, office managers and parents can play a major role in training people under their care to hydrate properly.

Drinking the right amount of water can improve the quality of life. Let’s have a water toast to that: Happy drinking!



http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=91435

The healer in you

It is widely believed by medical experts that the cause of illness and aging is inflammation.

So logic dictates that if you control inflammation, sickness and old age can be managed, or delayed, if not stopped.

The mind heals

Dr. Kevin Tracey, neurosurgeon, immunologist and director of the Feinstein Institute of Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, proved in a series of studies since 2000 that a major nerve in the brain called vagus held the key to healing.

This nerve, running from the brain stem to the belly, regulates heartbeat, breathing and the intestines. It uses neurochemicals that, in turn, signal immune cells and prevents them from releasing alarm molecules that cause damage through inflammation.

A connection called the “inflammatory reflex” exists between the brain and the immune system. If it were possible to activate the reflex each time there is an inflammation in the body, then the fight against disease can be won.

Taking it easy

There is a stress hormone called norepinephrine. Its presence in the body is not welcome, unless you want to get sick.

Lab-grown cancer cells can be stimulated by this hormone to move through the body with greater facility and ease and then metastasize or spread, according to Ronald Glaser, PhD., Ohio State University Medical Center, in “Cancer Research” (November issue).

The exciting discovery here is that calming the mind to overcome stress may yet prove to be the best cancer fighter of all.

Meditation as medicine

If one can slow down the heartbeat through a meditation regimen, this will modify vagus nerve activity, thus fighting inflammation. This is the general belief.

A regimen of mind-body exercises and approaches can only prove to be an asset and not a liability to health management and disease prevention.

Relax now, not tomorrow

Postponing relaxation can spell the difference between good health and bad. If you can just sit back and relax now, do it. If you can’t, make it happen.

Chances are only for those willing to gamble. Therefore, if you want certainty, take control now. Do not leave things to chance.

Taking a much needed break whether it’s 15 minutes or 15 days can only have beneficial results.

To do:

1. Put feet up in the office or home whenever possible. The act of sitting back and raising your feet already signals your brain to take it easy.

2. Cut back on the caffeine, whether coffee or black tea, lessen your intake if in excess of 4-5 cups daily.

3. Stay away from noise. Noisy places and people can put you in a state of unease. Find peaceful and harmonious surroundings whenever possible.

4. If you suffer from high blood pressure, cut back on sodium and caffeine. Lose weight and increase potassium (3,500 mg daily) and magnesium (280 mg) or eat potatoes, spinach, bananas, cabbage, broccoli.

Loving breath

Take slow, deep breaths called the “loving breath.” While doing so, forget your anger and bitterness. Leave them behind.

By doing this even for as little as five minutes in the morning and five minutes in the evening, you are already placing yourself in a state of calm.

Start packing

Visualize a giant suitcase. Open it. In this suitcase you will pack your pains, hurts and disappointments in life. Now lock it up. And throw away the key.

In this way, you will never be able to reopen it and go down memory lane again. Each time you recall a painful situation, stress hormones run amuck all over your body.

You don’t want this to happen, do you? So, pack up your pain. And never open the suitcase again.

The healer is you

If the famous line “Physician heal thyself” is true, then the message is clear. The healer is in us all. And so, the power to be sick or well, is in your hands. Now, shake hands with the physician in you.

Affirm today: “The doctor is in.”

Love and light!

References: Readers Digest, May 2007 - “Brain Powered” by Dan Ferber, Phd; “Age Erasing Secrets” by Kevin Ireland

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=83715

A harmony of mind, body and soul

c2 green tea kiwi

Heizel Laru-An Mainar

The search for a holistic and balanced lifestyle is the quest of the modern society.

A society that in this day and age, when everybody live a rat race and dog-eat-dog life, a single idle time means a loss for a possible much needed income, modern lifestyle became associated with money and other income generating activities, is a sad fact.

Although the hierarchy of needs of Maslow states that the satisfaction of food, clothing, and shelter is a priority, still the holistic satisfaction of life is the quest of every society, modern or otherwise. Hence, a lifestyle that provides a healthy alternative for the said satisfaction is as refreshing as C2 Green Tea through its new lifestyle philosophy—C2 Life program.

According to Mary Jane Bernardo, marketing manager of Universal Robina Corporation, "the perils of modern life have promoted an appreciation for harmony, balance and total wellness."

Belly dancing

Bernardo says that total wellness is not just a lifestyle trend but healthy living has become a conscious decision for today’s generation. With this, C2’s wide array of lifestyle alternatives for the modern Filipinos—the relaxing and re-energizing yoga, the enigmatic and culturally filled capoeira, the meditating and mentally challenging ikebana and bonsai raising, the graceful Taichi and Wu Shu, fun and sexy belly dancing to name a few—is the balanced lifestyle.

"C2 Life’s main emphasis is total wellness," she shares and further explains that harmony can be achieved through a variety of life-enriching activities that help rejuvenate the body, broaden the mind, and nourish the soul.

"We choose a diverse line-up of activities that we feel would attract the varied taste and preferences of our target market." Thus, with its variedness, arts and culture is not left untapped. With this, Liza Macuja-Elizalde’s Ballet Manila, Metropolitan and Ayala museums, new age and world music books from Music One and Power Books, photography techniques from the Federation of Professional Photographers Foundation, Inc. and LomoManila cater to the artistic whims while the tarot card readers and the Feng Shui experts tickle the imagination.

Slide and glide the Wushu way

Animal lovers also enjoy a good advice from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society while environmentalists vow to protect the La Mesa Watershed through the Bantay Kalikasan of the ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.

"C2 Life encourages people to explore new hobbies, preferences, places, passions, and possibilities, therefore the diversity of activities." She explains that a contributing factor to well-being is the inspiration and learning one derives from discovering and trying new things.

Bernardo concludes that aside from extending health benefits of C2 Green Tea to its consumers, through the series of events (Ongoing until December), modern Filipinos can reap the rewards of a cool and clean life and that to achieve a well-rounded lifestyle is getting in touch with one’s self, the C2 way.

For further information on the events and activities, visit www.thec2life.com

http://www3.mb.com.ph/WLBG20071013105648.html

Women’s hair loss: Getting to the root of the problem

Hair loss chart female

Vikki Conwell

ATLANTA – Long, brunet locks were a crown of glory for Nancy Black. But underneath her flowing tresses, the Atlanta woman concealed a veil of shame.

Quarter-sized bald patches covered the top and back of her scalp and, at one time, grew to the size of oranges at the front of her head.

"It was traumatic at the time," said Black, who purchased a hairpiece, wore a baseball cap for six months, and only confided in co-workers so they wouldn’t think she had cancer. What she suffered from was alopecia areata, an autoimmune deficiency that causes balding.

"This was benign and it would get better," she said. "(But) it’s not a pretty sight to walk around with the front of my hair gone."

From strands shedding in the comb or sink, thinning around the edges or balding spots, more women are experiencing hair loss at younger ages. Many of the conditions are temporary and can be reversed, but others are permanent and often lead to a loss of self-esteem.

"It’s a very neglected epidemic," said Spencer Kobren, founder of the American Hair Loss Association, a non-profit education and consumer advocacy organization. "We call it a disease of the spirit because it tears away at the very fabric of a woman’s being."

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 30 million women suffer from hair loss. Many never regrow the hair. The condition, referred to as androgenetic alopecia or female-pattern baldness, affects 25 percent of pre-menopausal women and 38 percent of post-menopausal women. Visible hair loss symptoms appear in 40 percent of women by age 40.

Usually, a woman loses about 100 hairs a day, with the hair regenerating at a rate of about one-half inch each month. But if she suffers from female-pattern baldness, her hair grows back thinner, shorter and finer until there is little or no growth at all. When she parts her hair in the center, there is a much broader path; the part will continue to grow wider in the front and back. The edges of the hair may remain thick and full, but the hair behind it thins.

Unlike male-pattern baldness, female-pattern baldness occurs around the entire top of the head.

Seventy percent of thinning hair can be attributed to heredity — from one or both parents — but other factors play a role, such as medication, diet, stress, illness and pregnancy. Iron deficiency, hormonal imbalance, and poor hair care also attribute to hair loss.

Kobren said that one of the largest factors is the widespread use of birth control pills, especially by women at an earlier age.

"Women are screwing with their hormones younger in life and besides the other problems, it’s causing hair loss," he said. If women who are predisposed to hair loss knew that there was a strong possibility that they could lose their hair, they would choose another form of birth control, he said.

Successful treatment requires getting to the root of the problem with early diagnosis.

Once you recognize that you are losing your hair, go to someone who can do a hair loss work-up, said Edmond Griffin, an Atlanta dermatologist. The sooner the treatment, the greater the chances of good results, he said.

"(Women) hear about hair weaves and hair extensions from their stylists, but they don’t hear about hair work-ups," said Griffin.

A work-up includes a thorough examination of the head, scalp, nails and skin (checking for acne or excess hair ) and blood work that includes hormone, iron and thyroid evaluations, he said. As a last resort, a biopsy may be ordered to detect medical conditions such as lupus, scarring problems or immune problems.

Diet may reverse problems such as iron or hormonal imbalances, but in most cases, medication is required to help stop the shedding and balding.



http://www3.mb.com.ph/HLTH20071013104944.html

Punching and kicking your way to fitness

Body Combat, a one-of-a-kind exercise experience, is a non-contact martial arts inspired cardio workout choreographed to the latest musical tracks.

It traces its roots from physically demanding martial arts such karate, tae kwon do, kung fu, muay thai, tai chi, and kick boxing, making it a very effective cardio workout for anyone interested in losing weight or maintaining their ideal form.

Inspired by the growing popularity of this unique workout class, Fitness First Philippines has decided to bring Body Combat to the fore. Fitness First Clubs have been undergoing their own selection processes for their member-participants for the upcoming culminating showcase of talents for Body Combat fans: "The Main Event II: The Grand Body Combat Marathon." The Main Event will be held at the NBC Tent, Taguig on October 7, 5 p.m.. Punches and kicks begin at five in the afternoon.

National Fitness manager Frank Drew promises a night to remember. Apart from the two-hour Body Marathon class, this event will feature fully-staged and rehearsed performances throughout the program. "There are two focuses for this main event: the physical marathon competition and the presentation competition," emphasizes Drew.

Kicking off in Preparation

Barely a month before the competition, Fitness First clubs are abuzz with preparations for their respective showpiece presentation. Arwin Cañeda, a Body Combat instructor at Fitness First Southmall, revealed that the club had chosen three girls and three boys from their two-hour Body Combat Marathon audition held last August 28.

When asked how they would fare with the competition, Cañeda is optimistic and confident about the skills of their participants. "Each club has a fair chance of winning but if we worked hard, kaya!" he beams. Indeed, the test of any preparation is the defeat of one’s opponents. During the Main Event II: The Body Combat Marathon, only those with the best preparations will emerge winners.

At the main event, these participants from various Fitness First clubs like the Southmall branch will represent their club through a five-minute showpiece on stage. Meanwhile, Fhe Manalili, head of Body Combat Manila, will lead the two-hour Body Combat marathon class at the main event. Non-members in the audience are also encouraged to experience this awesome group exercise by participating with the rest of the group in performing the choreographed body combat moves onstage.

Fitness First Philippines will award the winning participants with a brand new MOXX motorcycle and a wide selection of apparel, watches and gift certificates from its event partners Magnolia, and Circulan; major sponsors like Cycle Haus, Zero Sweetener, MET-tathione, Braziliano Praia, Teriyaki Boy, Pancake House, Dencio’s and Alcs Porras by Design. Other event supporters are Alaxan, Azta Urban Salon, Coke Light, Gatorade, Copperstone Sports Spray, BPI, Gargol Oral Mouthwash and Stir Crazy Bar and Restaurant. Body Combat "The Main Event" is also being staged in support of the reality TV show "The Contender", that features amateur boxers in various matches. Event media partners are Manila Bulletin’s Wellbeing, Phil. Daily Inquirer, ETC Entertainment Central, Monster RX 93.1, Action and Fitness Magazine, Yehey.com, Total Woman, Circuit Magazine, Gadgets Magazine, ClickTheCity.com and Astro Advertising.

Register now at any fitness first club and get ready to unleash your inner power! Non-members who are interested to participate can join Body Combat "The Main Event" at absolutely no cost. Non-members can also sign up for Fitness First memberships at a discount, an offer open only during the Body Combat event.

http://www3.mb.com.ph/WLBG20071011104951.html

Got a backache? Get acupuncture

acupuncture meridians

Agence France-Presse
Inquirer

WASHINGTON -- Acupuncture could prove more effective then conventional treatment in curing back pain, according to a new study released Monday.

"Low back pain is a common, impairing and disabling condition, often long-term, with an estimated lifetime prevalence of 70 to 85 percent," wrote Dr Michael Haake, one of the study's co-authors in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

"Acupuncture gives physicians a promising and effective treatment option for chronic low back pain, with few adverse effects or contraindications," he said, noting that back pain was one of the key reasons for absenteeism and disability.

Haake and his colleagues carried out a clinical trial of some 1,162 patients, with an average age of 50, who had suffered from back pain around eight years, at the University of Regensburg, Germany.

In a random selection, a third of the group were given 10, 30-minute acupuncture sessions, at a rate of about two a week, based on traditional Chinese medicine with the needles inserted to between five to 40 millimeters under the skin.

Another third, some 387 patients, were given sham acupuncture, with the needles only implanted to between one and three millimeters, and the final group were given conventional therapy of medication, physical therapy and exercise.

After six months, 47.6 percent of those receiving Chinese acupuncture had noticed an improvement in their condition, along with 44.2 percent in the sham group.

Only 27.4 percent of the group receiving conventional therapy however, reported any improvement, noted the study in the journal which is part of the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) group.

"The superiority of both forms of acupuncture suggests a common underlying mechanism that may act on pain generation, transmission of pain signals or processing of pain signals by the central nervous system and that is stronger than the action mechanism of conventional therapy," the authors said.

The effects of the acupuncture also lasted beyond treatment, the study concluded.

http://supplements.inquirer.net/mindandbody/main.php?content=you021

The new generation of skin whitening

L-Glutathione Skin Whitening/Lightening Pills/Capsule

ELEANOR A. LEYCO

From the natural way of scrubbing calamansi on the skin or bathing in milk to application of facial creams and toners and the use of whitening soaps, now skin whitening has again evolved and everyone is going gaga over the latest whitening product —L-Glutathione, which can effectively whiten the skin in just few weeks.

Currently, there are at least five glutathione brands that are sold in the mainstream market and a lot are being sold in dermatological clinics, direct selling/networking companies and other means of marketing. However, most people still lack knowledge about glutathione. Some think that it is a cure for liver disease while others think that glutathione is a harmful drug. Thus, to inform the public about glutathione and how to tell if the product is real or pure and effective, here are some facts based on a research.

Glutathione is a substance that is also found in human body, fish, fruits and vegetables. L-Glutathione is a biologically active sulfur amino acid tripeptide compound containing three amino acids L-Cysteine, L-Glutamic Acid and Glycine. Most glutathione is found in the liver where it detoxifies many harmful compounds to be excreted thru the bile. Some glutathione can also be found in red and white blood cells, the lungs and the intestinal tract.

The primary biological function of glutathione is to act as a nonenzymatic reducing agent to help keep cysteine thiol side chains in a reduced state on the surface of proteins. Reduced glutathione is involved in the synthesis and repair of DNA, helps to recycle vitamins C and E, blocks free radical damage and enhances the antioxidant activity of vitamin C. It also facilitates the transport of amino acids, and plays a critical role in the detoxification of harmful compounds. Moreover, it is the base material for several other key antioxidant enzyme systems including glutathione-peroxidase, glutathione-reductase, and glutathione-transferase. Declines in glutathione concentrations in intracellular fluids correlate directly with indicators of aging.

Answers from the expert

In an interview with Dr. Bernadette Ng-Chua of Perfect You Laser and Dermatological Clinic,

she says glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant, however, it must be generated within the cell from its precursors before it can work effectively in the body. "The presence of glutathione is required to maintain the normal function of the immune system. It is known to play a critical role in the multiplication of lymphocytes (the cells that mediate specific immunity), which occurs in the development of an effective immune response," Dr. Chua adds.

Meanwhile, according to Alex Mirador, director for sales and marketing of Yumei Mise, the producer of Kyusoku Bihaku (KB) L-Glutathione 500mg with NAC and Pure Rosehips Vitamin C™ , "Extensive and advanced studies have consistently proven that glutathione is one of the most potent antioxidant currently known to man. Some have called it the miracle cure all owing to its unparalleled inhibiting effect on free radicals which makes it a powerful weapon to combat a wide range of degenerative diseases. With the burgeoning industry all the more getting bigger and more profitable, so-called experts connected to the industry have been too reluctant to boldly state one unmistakable fact: L-Glutathione is poorly absorbed orally. "

Mirador added that when taken orally, l-cysteine loses 85 percent of its sulfur group (which becomes the active component of glutathione) during the digestion process. This means that less than half of the supplemental glutathione is absorbed through the digestive system.

On the other hand, Dr. Chua verifies, "By taking glutathione alone, it will not pose any effect on humans unless it is taken together with a booster like vitamin C, which according to medical studies, help increase glutathione levels. Glutathione boosters also include alpha lipoic acid, glutamine, methionine, S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe), and whey protein, Vitamin B6, riboflavin, and selenium and N-acetyl L-cysteine."

Addressing the issue

If glutathione is poorly absorbed orally, how do you find a solution and make it effective?

Mirador is quick to explain, "Kyusoku Bihaku L-Glutathione 500mg is pure, pharmaceutical grade glutathione. If there is any other thing included in each of the KB capsule, it is NAC (N-Acetyl L-Cysteine). KB glutathione is formulated with the optimum amount of NAC. Research and advanced studies have consistently proven that NAC is the most potent supplement to boost the body’s glutathione levels. Some studies have even concluded that NAC is 20x better than the booster additive. NAC is an acetylated form of the amino acid L-Cysteine. It is in itself a powerful antioxidant and has been used to treat cystic fibrosis and acetaminophen overdose."

What makes NAC stand out among the so-called glutathione boosters is that it is a stable compound with an ability to retain most of its sulfur and sulfuhydryl contents losing only 15 percent during digestion. Furthermore, NAC also helps in preserving our body’s glutathione stores. Some have even suggested that taking NAC is better than taking glutathione itself. However, this is only true in instances where an individual has depleted stores of glutathione in the body and needs supplementation to elevate it to healthy levels.

Meanwhile, with the growing market for glutathione, it is undeniable that there will be companies that will take advantage of the increasing demand. It wouldn’t be surprising to hear claims that their products contain pure or real glutathione and will always lure the innocent buyers. Here is a precautionary measure for the readers to try to ensure that the product contains the real thing! Glutathione has several distinct characteristics that can help consumers — the smell, taste, texture and color.

"When glutathione is manufactured as powder, the texture should be very very fine and must be white. But if the glutathione is already capsulated and mixed with vitamin C or other booster, texture sometimes changes. However, your sense of taste and smell will help a lot in determining if it is real or not. Glutathione is a sulfuric compound, so it should smell like sulphur and the taste is sour. Try to always check the product you are buying or compare them with other brands. Information about glutathione is just a click away, if you have doubts or more inquiries, the internet will be a big help," Dr. Chua tells.

Wondering about its side effects? Dr. Chua says that no side effects or interactions are known with oral administration of glutathione except for the whitening of the skin. "Because glutathione is a powerful antioxidant, when it cleanses our body of toxins, it makes our skin glow and evens out skin tone. To ensure that you are only buying a safe product, glutathione is often purchased in dermatological clinics and if they are out in the market, they should be Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) approved."

http://www3.mb.com.ph/WLBG20071002104275.html

Message in bottle: Marriage meant to be

RACINE, Wis. - Melody Kloska and Matt Behrs take it as a sign they were meant to get married.

After tying the knot on a Lake Michigan beach on Aug. 18, they released a bottle containing their wedding vows. A few weeks later, the bottle was found by Fred and Lynnette Dubendorf, of Mears, Mich., who were also married on a beach — exactly 28 years before Kloska and Behrs.

"It was meant to be," Kloska said. "This was a sign to me."

Kloska, 46, and Behrs, 41, have been together for five years, but with several failed marriages between them, they had doubts about remarrying.

They finally did it in a sunrise ceremony near the Wind Point Lighthouse in Wind Point in southern Wisconsin. They invited a few guests, read their own vows and released two balloons.

When it was time to throw the bottle sealed with their name, address and wedding vows into the lake, Behrs went to the rock farthest out in the water.

He threw it underhand, but the bottle landed back on the sand where Kloska was standing.

"After laughing so hard, I tossed it back to him to release it again into the lake," she said. "It landed not too far from where he threw it. My thought was that with our luck, it would wind up in front of the house next-door to the lighthouse."

Instead, it floated across Lake Michigan and landed in the path of Lynnette Dubendorf, who was scanning the beach for trash to clean up while she walked her dogs. She spied the clear plastic bottle partially buried in the sand and noticed the note inside.

"I opened it and read it and said, `Oh, this is pretty cool, it's somebody's wedding vows,'" she said. "I thought, `Wow, how funny, we were married on the beach, too, and on the same day.'"

She initially didn't plan to respond, thinking an answer would only encourage people to toss litter into the lake.

"Then I thought, `That's selfish, I really should respond,'" she said. So she wrote Kloska and Behrs to tell them of her discovery.

The letter read, "We thought you would want to know where your message in a bottle ended up! We picked it up on the beach between Pentwater and Silver Lake on Sept. 19. An ironic note, we were also married on the beach! Here in Michigan by Pentwater. Even more ironic, it was on August 18, 1979. We wish you both the best of luck in your new lives together."

Behrs and Kloska had to read the letter several times to believe it. Kloska was surprised the bottle made it across the lake.

"I took it to mean that there's hope yet," she said. - AP


http://www.gmanews.tv/story/62746/Message-in-bottle-Marriage-meant-to-be

Rediscovering Rum

Its creation is as painstaking as winemaking; at times even more complex.

It’s a cocktail base as versatile as gin but smoother in taste.

Rum is truly worth every liquor connoisseur’s esteem. But 400 years since its creation, it still remains underappreciated by Asia’s mainstream drinking market.

"There is not enough awareness yet about rum in this region. Filipinos are one of the top Asian consumers so far with an 11 million drinking population," observed Rajiv Ghumman, a liquor marketeer.

Raj Nagra at Embassy Cuisine

Ghumman and his team at Future Trade International went beyond throwing the hottest parties in town to feature their premium product, the Bacardi brand of rum, by flying in Australia’s renowed mixologist Raj Nagra for a slew of cocktail training parties in Manila, Cebu and Boracay.

Nagra recently gave a crash course to the bartending staff of the country’s top clubs on rum’s colorful heritage, varieties, and the fine art of cocktail mixing.

He also graced an exclusive VIP party at Embassy Cuisine, where he prepared the sensational Bacardi cocktails Cuba Libre (the Bacardi & Coke mix), Mojito, Daiquiri and Mai Tai.

A hot trend in mixology is syrupmaking.

"You can easily do this at home by mixing equal parts of water and sugar in a pan over low heat, add in your fave fruit or spice such as peach, star anise, or vanilla. Blend it with your cocktail and enjoy," explained Nagra.

Cuba Libre

Cuba Libre

Ingredients:

1 part Bacardi Superior

3 parts Coca-Cola

wedge of lime

ice

Procedure:

Place ice in serving glass. Add contents, stir gently and squeeze a wedge of lime.

Barcardi Mojito

Ingredients:

1 part Bacardi Superior

3 parts club soda

12 pcs mint leaves

½ lime

1 tbsp sugar

Procedure:

Place mint leaves, sugar and lime in glass. Crush well with a pestle. Add Bacardi Superior, top off with club soda, stir well and garnish with springs of mint or a lime whee.

Bacardo Daiquiri

Bacardo Daiquiri

Ingredients:

3 parts of Bacardi Superior

1 part lime or lemon juiice

1 part sugar syrup

ice

Procedure:

Mix all ingredients in a shaker or blender with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass or serve on the rocks.

http://www3.mb.com.ph/SCTY20071002104257.html